Christmas in Germany

Christmas in Germany is a very traditional, family celebration. Even in today's consumer-oriented and hectic world-or maybe because of it-the Christmas season is still considered a time for togetherness and simple pleasures. Christmas Eve is the day that final decorations are put on the tree and families gather to share presents. Both December 25 and 26 are official holidays.

Christmas Market, (c) picture-alliance/dpa/Bildfunk

Christmas Markets

A favorite pastime for Germans and tourists alike is savoring the winter holiday season at a local Christmas market. The colorful fairs spring up in most towns and cities for the four-week Advent season leading up to Christmas Eve.

Advent Wreath, (c) picture-alliance/dpa-Report

Marking the Advent Season

Celebrating the Advent season, which begins four Sundays before Christmas, is an tradition in Germany. Advent calendars, whether homemade or mass-produced, are a favorite of children and the young at heart. Advent wreaths can be found in many homes.

Christmas Tree Ornament, (c) colourbox.com

Christmas Stories by Germany.info Readers

Given that the Christmas tree has a long tradition in Germany, we asked our readers to send in their own personal memories of Christmas trees past in essay form. Read some of these tender, touching and - at times - hilarious recollections right here.

Personal Items of Franz Xaver Gruber, (c) picture-alliance/akg-images/Erich Lessing

A Carol's Humble Origins

"Silent Night, Holy Night" is one of the best known Christmas carols in the world. It was written in German and first premiered in Austria in 1818. After a performance in Leipzig it became popular across Germany and has since been translated into some 300 languages and dialects. 

Christmas

Christmas Tree, (c) colourbox.com

The Legend of Saint Nicholas

St. Nicholas chocolates © picture-alliance / OKAPIA KG, Germany

A man with a long white beard, a bishop’s miter, and a thick red cape comes knocking on the door at some houses every December 6. Other children wake to find their shoes have been filled with treats. Who is this international man of mystery?